Pekka Kolehmainen is currently working as a Senior Advisor at Midas Equities. Kolehmainen has over 25 years of versatile experience in the finance industry. Before joining Midas Equities in 2020, Kolehmainen worked for several Finnish private banks, where he mainly worked with structured products. In addition to private banks, he has several years of experience in insurance-based wealth management, both domestic and offshore. In addition to working in Midas Equities, Kolehmainen helps Finnish SMEs raise debt capital. He holds a Master’s in Economics from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland.
What made you decide to go into the financial sector? Did you have any other vocations?
It was a choice between law and finance, and the finance sector offered some interesting opportunities 25 years ago. Prior to my economics studies, I worked several years as a teacher for “trouble” kids, i.e. kids with learning difficulties and/or anger management issues. That effectively taught me to communicate in a way that leaves out everything that isn’t absolutely necessary and to be extremely specific.
What does a typical workday look like for you? How do you organize your time?
A typical day has 4 to 6 online client meetings. I usually go through a day’s meetings the day before and get my notes ready. The pandemic forced everyone to have online meetings and for me that has become the new norm it also helps me to get more done during the day since I don’t have to spend time in traffic jams.
Which portfolio allocations are most interesting in the current market situation?
Given the current turbulence, I have grown a liking to fixed income instruments.
Which sector do you consider particularly interesting at the moment?
Greentech obviously. And A.I. is definitely worth mentioning. As much as I hate it, the defense industry is probably a safe bet too.
How should investors orient their portfolios in the current environment?
As I work with both institutional clients and HNWI clients I am a little hesitant to draw any clear lines here. Being cautious is a piece of advice that works for both now.
What characteristics do you think a good financial advisor should have?
A good financial advisor is a good listener. You need to know your clients, especially private clients. In many cases, they have spent their life building up the assets they are now giving to your hands. That kind of responsibility is not to be taken lightly. You should only give advice you are ready to follow yourself.
When you have free time, what do you like to do?
I’m a family man and a nature freak, so I love to spend time with my family at our lakeside summer cottage fishing, reading, and let’s not forget the sauna!
